Rail bridge to cross U.S.-Mexico border this year

A new rail bridge between Mexico and the United States is slated to open in the second half of 2015, according to a Kansas City Southern de Mexico (KCSM) news item posted on the "KCS News" web page.

The bridge, which runs from Brownsville, Texas, to Matamoros, Tamaulipas, is the first cross-border bridge to be built in more than 110 years, KCSM officials said.

It is designed to alleviate urban congestion by rerouting rail traffic out of the most populated areas in both cities. The bridge also is expected to expand regional transportation capacity.

At a forum held last month, KCSM officials and regional leaders discussed the competitive advantages of the new bridge. KCSM Assistant Sales Director Yesica Gloria explained the importance of the gateway between the Brownsville and Matamoros, as well as KCS' relationship with the Port of Brownsville and the Brownsville & Rio Grande International Railroad.

"This is an historic moment for the railroad industry in both the U.S. and Mexico and a demonstration of the U.S. and Mexican governments working together," added Vladimir Robles, institutional relations manager for KCSM.